Zach Mercer has been released by England and will be free to play for Bath Rugby against Newcastle Faclons.

The Red Rose squad don't have a Six Nations match this weekend and Mercer is one of seven players who will be allowed to play in the Premiership along with Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Sam Moore (Sale Sharks), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks) and Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins).

Mercer missed out on selection in the first week of the Six Nations with a chest infection and was an unused reserve for the 12-6 win against Wales.